Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow these verified steps in chronological sequence to avoid common administrative delays or fines:
Step 1: Choose to Retain, Swap, or Surrender Plate
Before completing a vehicle sale, decide whether to: A) Retain the plate in your RTA electronic plate vault; B) Transfer the plate directly to your new car; or C) Surrender the plate to the RTA.
Step 2: Apply for Plate Reservation Certificate (If Retaining)
Log into rta.ae or visit an RTA Customer Happiness Center. Select 'Reserve Vehicle Plate'. Pay the applicable reservation period fee (3 months, 6 months, or 1 year). The plate remains safely stored in your digital traffic file.
Step 3: Transferring Plate to Another Individual
To transfer or sell a distinguished number plate to another person, both parties must visit an RTA center. An RTA plate ownership transfer fee (AED 100 + AED 20 fees) is paid, and an electronic Ownership Certificate is generated under the new owner's name.
Required Documents Checklist
Ensure you have the following credentials ready before initiating this service:
Official Fees Breakdown
The following figures reflect official government tariffs verified at publication time with zero markups:
| Fee Component | Amount (AED) | Notes & Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Plate Reservation Fee (3 Months) | AED 100.00 | Keeps plate in electronic vault |
| Plate Reservation Fee (6 Months) | AED 200.00 | Renewable online |
| Plate Reservation Fee (1 Year) | AED 300.00 | Maximum single reservation period |
| Distinguished Plate Ownership Transfer | AED 100.00 | Transfer fee between two individuals |
| Manufacturing New Physical Plates (Pair) | AED 70.00 | Short plates (AED 35 each); Long plates (AED 50 each) |
Expected Processing Timeline
Online reservation: Instantaneous. Physical plate pressing at center: 15 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to reserve your plate prior to finalizing a car sale — if you do not reserve it, the plate number can be reassigned or surrendered.
- Letting a plate reservation certificate expire without renewal — expired unassigned numbers revert to RTA custody.
- Attempting to mount damaged, faded, or bent number plates: driving with obscured plates carries a heavy AED 3,000 fine and 23 black points.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Number plates issued by the Dubai RTA cannot be mounted onto a vehicle registered under the Abu Dhabi Police licensing system. Plates must remain within their issuing emirate.
You can keep a plate reserved in your RTA electronic vault indefinitely, provided you renew the reservation fee annually (AED 300 per year).
RTA offers luxury redesigned plates with colored Dubai branding and sleek dimensions. Upgrading from standard plates to Dubai luxury branded plates costs approximately AED 500 per pair.
Yes. RTA conducts regular public and online distinguished plate auctions. You can also purchase plate certificates from licensed private dealers or individuals and register them at an RTA center.
Yes. You can request replacement plates at any RTA Customer Happiness Center or testing center for AED 70 (standard short pair) plus AED 20 fees.
Official Sources & Verification References
Every procedure, tariff, and fine in this guide was directly verified on the following official portals:
- https://www.rta.ae (Official Portal)
- https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae (Official Portal)
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